Young Eric- 21 year old son of Ricky Kino and Breanna Adams Kino, both big time movie stars who refuse to join hands with Hollywood elites. Young Eric will have his first movie coming out in a few weeks.
Jordan- 19 year old UCLA softball player, Eric's fiance'
At dinner with one of the movie investors.
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Young Eric watched as Jordan and the wife of the man they were having dinner with headed to the ladies’ room. He turned back to see that Mr. Raymond Turner was no longer smiling. He’d been quite friendly and jovial most of the dinner. But young Eric’s father had warned him that these people were snakes and to be very cautious. Mr. Turner was an ultra-rich movie investor. He’d fronted a lot of the money to the entertainment house that was producing Eric’s movie.
“So,” Mr. Turner began. “You really think marrying this girl is the thing to do?”
Eric blinked at the quick change of subject and demeanor and mentally put on his armor. “If I didn’t, then I wouldn’t have asked her.”
“Eric, let me blunt.”
“It appears you don’t need my permission.”
“The facts are, this girl is a nobody. She’s pretty enough, or she can be if we get some experts to doll her up, but I understand she comes from a very low-class family. Her mother works at a dental office. Her father tried to rape her.”
“Well, you have your facts wrong. Her mother is about to open her own restaurant. Her father died of cancer when she was a kid.”
“Okay, her step-father tried to rape her. Same thing.”
“Yes, and as a kid, she stepped up and had him put in prison. Because she has strength of character.”
“Yes, yes, I know the story. And I know you ended up killing the man, and that publicity was actually good for you. However, what I’m trying to get at is, your fan base is gonna want you single and available.”
“Excuse me, Mr. Turner, but I’m not single, and I’m not available, and I don’t really care if that displeases my ‘fan base,’” he said using air quotes. “I cannot, and will not allow the movie industry to dictate my personal life. My real fans know that and will respect that. That girl, as you put it, that beautiful woman of God, as I put it, is the most important thing to me, other than the dear Lord himself, and I am going to marry her.”
The man sighed heavily. “Well, maybe you could put off the marriage for a few years. Let the fans have the hope that you’re available.”
“I proposed to Jordan live on social media. Millions of people saw me do it, and millions of people have congratulated me and wished us well. I will not mislead anyone.”
“Eric, let me give you a little insight on how to get along in this world. Sometimes, you have to be a little dishonest in order to navigate the waters.”
“In Satan’s world, yes, but I am not of his world. And in my world, you never lie. Or at least you try not to lie. I’m not perfect. But I at least try.”
Mr. Turner went in another direction. “Okay, so, don’t you think you’re too young to marry? I’m surprised your father supports you in this life decision. Or does he?”
“Of course he does. My father and I are very close. We understand each other. And he’s the one who let me know that there is nothing wrong with marrying young. When you know it’s right, then it’s right.”
“Listen, son, don’t take offense. I’m only trying to help you.”
“To help me what? What exactly is it you’re trying to accomplish?”
“I’ve been approached to help finance several more movies for you and a few others at the studio. It’s a big investment. I want a big return.”
Young Eric nodded. “That’s what you do, right? You invest, you take risks, you make money. That’s your thing, and it seems you do it well and you understand that there’s a risk. I am not responsible for your risk. I contracted to do a movie and I fulfilled my obligation. I am fulfilling my obligations to promote the movie. All I owe anyone here is my best professionally. Not personally. You see, Mr. Turner, it’s not always just about the money. Surely you know that.”
“What if I told you that unless you do as I ask, you will find it difficult to get another movie contract?”
Young Eric gave a soft laugh. “I realize you think you’re threatening me with the power you have with your contacts and money. First, even if you held all the cards, you wouldn’t be able to sway me. I don’t care about money. I certainly don’t care about your money. It holds no power over me. You want to measure your power and money against my family’s power? Good luck. Because our power doesn’t come from our money. It comes from God. We don’t need you in order for us to continue to make movies. If I want to do another movie, I’ll do another movie. I don’t need you. I would think you would understand who it is you’re talking to, who you’re dealing with.”
The man nodded solemnly and smiled. “I’m sorry, Eric, I didn’t mean to insult you or get you all riled up.”
Eric smiled. “You think this is riled? I’m not riled. You haven’t seen me riled. And you don’t want to,” he added, mimicking a line from the movie.
“Touche’.”
“Speaking in terms that you understand, Mr. Turner, the return you’re about to get from The Resurrection of Elijah Beck is gonna be satisfactory. It might even be your biggest return yet. Why then, would you alienate the person, or the people, because my father’s fight choreography is a big part of what you’re about to make, why alienate the people who are about to make you so much money?”
Raymond Turner sighed. “You’ll have to forgive me, Eric. I wanted to see if you’d cave, if you’d allow me to push you around and dictate your life. You’re young and I wanted to see what you’re made of. Your beautiful fiancé is a lovely girl and I wish you all the best. And I think you’re right. We’re about to make a fortune. You, young man, are totally bankable.”
Eric’s mouth pressed together. He didn’t know whether he could believe him or not, or if he simply saw he couldn’t win and conceded. Still, it was a good lesson. Don’t trust the world. Trust his own family, his proven friends, and mostly, Jesus.
Excerpt from DND #13 For Unto Us - In Jesus' Name [Free Download]
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